Overview

Overview

The best of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. This fly drive holiday route will allow you to see the Sunshine Coast, this extraordinary piece of mainland British Columbia only accessible by ferry, seldom visited by tourists, as well as the main attractions of Vancouver Island. Expect country roads, varied scenery and some glorious hotels on this stunning fly drive holiday.

This itinerary is flexible and can be tailor-made to suit you; if you want to add extra days in one area, extend the holiday or maybe change the direction of travel. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.

Day
3-4

Collect your car in downtown Vancouver and drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to the mountain village of Whistler. This pedestrian-friendly, purpose-built resort offers a great range of restaurants, shops and bars, and many activities from mountain biking and rafting to golf and gondola sightseeing.

2 nights in Whistler

Days 5-7

Sunshine Coast
to Egmont

Depart Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway once more; we suggest a stop in...

Days
5-7

Sunshine Coast
to Egmont

Depart Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway once more; we suggest a stop in Squamish and a ride on the excellent Sea to Sky Gondola. On arrival in West Vancouver, you will take a short ferry journey across followed by a wnding, scenic highway drive up the Sunshine Coast to Westcoast Wilderness Lodge, where you will spend the next 3 nights. This cliff side resort with excellent ocean views. Your package includes a cruise up to Princess Louisa inlet to view many natural wonders as well as rock paintings by the First Nations of the area. Other activities include hiking into Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park to see the tidal rapids (an easy walk) or even kayaking the rapids. If you prefer, you can kayak the more sheltered waters around the Lodge.

All meals are included at the Lodge.

3 nights at Westcoast Wilderness Lodge.

Days 8-9

Egmont
to Lund

Another ferry takes you to the northern Sunshine Coast and after a 90 minute drive...

Days
8-9

Egmont
to Lund

Another ferry takes you to the northern Sunshine Coast and after a 90 minute drive you will arrive at the end of the road and a charming village called Lund. Your accommodation will be at the Historic Lund Hotel. You will have time to hop on a water taxi to Savary Island or watch for whales, sea lions, porpoises and other marine life on a cruise into Desolation Sound.

2 nights in Lund.

Day 10

Lund
to Comox

Let the ferry take the strain again as you sail across to Vancouver Island from...

Days
11-13

Drive across the island via Port Alberni, being sure to stop at Cathedral Grove to see the towering first growth Douglas Firs. Finish your day’s journey in Tofino or Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island – a magical area of forest, beaches, art galleries and wildlife.

You will then have 2 days to enjoy whale-watching (for grey and humpback whales, as well as sea lions and bald eagles), a visit to the Hot Springs and bear watching, some world class surfing, a walk along the boardwalks in the rain forest or along the wonderful beaches. (Whale watching tour included).

Day
14-15

Drive back across the island and south to Victoria. A 4 hour drive which can be broken at Duncan to see the totem poles or at Chemainus to admire the 38 murals. Spending a couple of days in Victoria will allow you to take a winery tour or sample cheeses in the Valley, discover the Butchart Gardens and the Royal British Columbia Museum and take a whale watching tour to see the killer whales that live off the coast.